Hicks: 'Django Unchained' and 'Jack Reacher' premieres canceled due to Newtown school shootings

The L.A. premiere of the Quentin Tarantino film "Django Unchained" has been postponed, in deference to last week's school massacre in Newtown, Conn.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, and in this time of national mourning we have decided to forgo our scheduled event," a spokesman for the Weinstein Company, the studio behind 'Django," said in a statement. "However, we will be holding a private screening for the cast and crew and their friends and families."

The announcement comes just hours after Paramount Pictures postponed Tuesday's Pennsylvania premiere of Tom Cruise's new thriller "Jack Reacher." A Lincoln Center fundraiser with the actor in New York was also postponed.

"Due to the terrible tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, and out of honor and respect for the families of the victims whose lives were senselessly taken, we are postponing tomorrow's Pittsburgh premiere of Jack Reacher," the studio told Us Weekly in a statement. "Our hearts go out to all those who lost loved ones."

Before the decision postpone the "Django Unchained" premiere was announced, Tarentino said during a press event in New that he's tired of defending his violent films every time America is rocked by gun violence.

"I just think you know there's violence in the world, tragedies happen, blame the playmakers," he said. "It's a Western. Give me a break."